2017 Citizen Satisfaction Survey results

The 2017 Citizen Satisfaction Survey results are in and citizens’ perceptions about quality of life remain strong and satisfaction with the level and quality of City programs and services remains high.

The survey is one way The City gathers input to understand the needs and perceptions of Calgarians, and identify areas to address. New for 2017, The City of Calgary conducted additional research as part of the Citizen Satisfaction Survey, surveying Calgarians post-election to validate key results and ask questions related to the economy.

“We live in a very resilient city. As we enter a time of economic recovery, I am happy to hear Calgarians remain optimistic about the future and overall quality of life in Calgary,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “The research and data from the Citizen Satisfaction Survey is crucial and helps to inform The City and Council as we begin working together this year on the 2019-2022 budget process.”

Citizen Satisfaction Survey highlights

Eight in ten (85 per cent) Calgarians say the quality of life in Calgary is good, statistically consistent with 2016 results (83 per cent).

35 per cent of Calgarians say the quality of life in Calgary has worsened in the past three years, this metric is now starting to stabilize after a 17 percentage point increase (from 20 per cent in 2014 to 37 per cent in 2016).

79 per cent of Calgarians continue to say they are satisfied with the overall level and quality of City programs and services.

Infrastructure, traffic and roads remain at the top of the issue agenda, transit continues to hold second place and crime, safety and policing is in third.

60 per cent of Calgarians say The City provides good value for their property tax dollars (statistically unchanged from 2016), but remain split in their preference for tax increases (50 per cent in support of) versus service cuts (45 per cent in support of). Five per cent of respondents did not answer or responded that they did not have an answer to this question.

75 per cent of Calgarians think that now is a good time for The City to be investing in new projects like roads, public transportation and local facilities.

A number of surveys, including the 2017 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, indicate Calgarians have a generally optimistic view about the future and their overall quality of life. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey is one of many citizen inputs that will help to inform City Council during discussions on the 2019-2022 budget and business plans in November 2018.

Calgarians are encouraged to sign up for Citizens’ View, Calgary’s online panel at citizensview.ca to have their say in City programs and services on an ongoing basis.

The detailed findings of the 2017 Citizen Satisfaction Survey is available at calgary.ca/CitSat.